FPMT News Around the World

Ven. Anshu Negi with Class 1 students at Fulchater School, Fulchater Village, Gaya District, Bihar, India, July 2019. Photo courtesy of MAITRI Charitable Trust.

In July 2019, FPMT project MAITRI Charitable Trust in Bodhgaya, Gaya District, Bihar, India, made a new offering of Dharma education at MAITRI Fulchater School. Since 1999, MAITRI and Fulchater Village in Bihar have been working together to operate a thriving primary school. Also in July, MAITRI celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of its Leprosy Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Centre, which was the only organization authorized by the government of Bihar to run the National Leprosy Eradication Program in three provinces of Gaya District from 1989 to 2002. Since then MAITRI has been collaborating with Bihar State Health Services. MAITRI’s director, Adriana Ferranti, shares the story of these activities.   

On Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s request, MAITRI started a program of Dharma education at Fulchater School. On July 12, Ven. Anshu Negi, a classroom teacher at Maitreya School, a project of Root Institute for Wisdom Culture, offered  preliminary breathing and meditation exercises at Fulchater School. Since Ven. Anshu visited Fulchater School in the morning, only the younger children were at the school. The following Friday, Ven. Anshu went for the afternoon shift, so she was able to benefit the older children. 

Kiran Lama offering clothes and sandals at MAITRI Charitable Trust, Bodhgaya, Gaya District, Bihar, India, July 2019. Photo courtesy of MAITRI Charitable Trust.

Thirty years ago, on July 17, 1989, MAITRI Leprosy Centre began offering service in the province of Bodhgaya. On July 17, 2019, we called some long-time and newer patients together to commemorate that day. It was a simple and unpretentious event at MAITRI graced by the presence of our friend and trustee, Mr. Kiran Lama. We shared some food and offered clothes and special sandals. It made it all so worthwhile. 

For more information about MAITRI Charitable Trust, visit their website:
http://www.maitri-bodhgaya.org/home/

For the seventh year, due to the kindness of a benefactor, the FPMT Social Services Fund has been offering substantial grants to MAITRI in support of their incredible and compassionate work and service.

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Nyung Nä Retreat at Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, Triang, Malaysia, July 2019. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

In 2019 Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, the FPMT center in Triang, Malaysia, celebrated the month of Saka Dawa (June 4-July 2, 2019) by offering a Kuan Yin Retreat. (Kuan Yin is also known by the Sanskrit name Avalokitesvara and the Tibetan name Chenrezig.) The Kuan Yin Retreat was composed of two programs: a mani mantra retreat from June 16-July 14, and a nyung nä retreat from July 20-21. The mani mantra retreat is an annual event that began in 2008. Ven. Sonam Yeshe, center director, shares the story about the Kuan Yin Retreat.

Every year Rinchen Jangsem Ling conducts a mani mantra retreat around the holy month of Saka Dawa so people can participate in the recitation of the mani mantra (OM MANI PADME HUM) and create a connection with the Buddhadharma. The retreat was conceptualized twelve years ago to engage as many people as possible in the recitation of OM MANI PADME HUM through joining weekend group recitations (including a Dharma talk) or performing the retreat in one’s own home. The latter is essential as Rinchen Jangsem Ling is in a rural area surrounded by palm oil and rubber trees, three miles (five kilometers) from Triang, the nearest small town, and it’s difficult to gather people to attend Rinchen Jangsem Ling’s regular program.

The mani mantra retreat is designed to be as simple as possible for everyday folks who might not be connected to Rinchen Jangsem Ling or even Tibetan Buddhism at all. OM MANI PADME HUM is a very easy mantra, and it is a Kuan Yin practice which many people enjoy. During the retreat I encourage participants to recite the mantra based on a lamrim motivation and with the motivation to benefit others. Many participants recite the mantra for their loved ones who are sick, have numerous personal problems, or for the benefit of their gurus and sentient beings. We encourage participants to make a motivation to benefit others by giving participants the opportunity to have a name inscribed on a plaque for every 110,000 mantras recited.

On average we have more than 250 participants from across Malaysia and overseas (Mexico, UK, Australia) participating in the mani mantra retreat every year. An average of thirty million mani mantras are recited every year.

Nyung Nä Retreat at Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, Triang, Malaysia, July 2019. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

Rinchen Jangsem Ling also conducts a nyung nä retreat during the holy month of Saka Dawa.

In the past the nyung nä retreat was conducted in English and led by our present FPMT Southeast Asia regional coordinator Selina Foong. But due to the need to reach out to a wider Buddhist audience, which is a majority Chinese-speaking community, Rinchen Jangsem Ling held its first nyung nä retreat in Chinese (Mandarin) last year led by Malaysian nun Ven. Thubten Dechen.

Traditionally, any practices related to Kuan Yin (Chenrezig) resonate exceptionally well within the Chinese community and in particular the Chinese Mahayanist community. The practice of nyung nä is no exception.

Nyung Nä Retreat at Rinchen Jangsem Ling Retreat Centre, Triang, Malaysia, July 2019. Photo courtesy of Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

The nyung nä retreat became an instant hit, so much so that fifty-four people participated in this year’s retreat. Many of the participants were not only new to the nyung nä practice but were also new to Tibetan Buddhism. Nevertheless, many participants attended with great faith due to it being  the Kuan Yin Retreat. We are all very much encouraged by this and hope to continue with this tradition every year at Rinchen Jangsem Ling.

Watch a video of the Nyung Nä Retreat on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/HCtym7uSaTY

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Ven. Thubten Dechen, Rinchen Jangsem Ling staff, volunteers, and other Sangha members who led the prayers. We would also like to thank all those in attendance, especially our many many Dharma brothers and sisters from the FPMT center in Selangor, Malaysia, Losang Dragpa Centre, especially their director and staff who have been giving us all kinds of assistance. Due to the Guru’s unfathomable kindness and teachings, may we dedicate every merit created to the fruition of full enlightenment and to all FPMT centers so that we can most quickly and fully benefit all beings.

For more information about Rinchen Jangsem Ling Center, visit their website:
http://www.jangsemling.com/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Tushita Meditation Centre staff at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, February 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre.

Tushita Meditation Centre, the FPMT center in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, enjoyed visits from Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Khyongla Rato Rinpoche in 2019. Ven. Tenzin Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator, and Maria Nobuko Corrales, creative project assistant, share those stories and more.

Our 2019 season started extra early on February 5 to coincide with the Tibetan New Year and the auspicious Days of Miracles. The weather at that time of year can make things difficult in Dharamsala, but we made the best of some serious snowstorms and power cuts and didn’t have to wait long for the miracles to happen. To our great delight we welcomed our Spiritual Director Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche for ten days later in February.

We also welcomed all the students who braved the middle of winter at Tushita to attend our first Introduction to Buddhism course of 2019. One of those students was Abdulwahab, who was our first student from Kuwait. Abdulwahab’s presence made Kuwait the 100th nation represented by students attending our residential courses. In July, we welcomed Douangluethay from Laos, our 101st nation. And in August, we welcomed Dolly from Kenya, our 102nd nation. 

Dolly and fellow Introduction to Buddhism retreat students at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, August 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre.

We are so excited to have reached this momentous accomplishment and rejoice deeply in what it represents: the Dharma reaching the far corners of the planet. We are now aiming to reach the auspicious number of 108 nations at Tushita since we began keeping records ten years ago.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche arrived at Tushita after midnight on February 18, the last day of the first introductory course of the year. Beautiful snowflakes began to fall as Rinpoche greeted the shivering and excited crowd, seemingly blessing the land and the fortunate students who waited in the dark to warmly welcome Rinpoche.

Khyongla Rato Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, February 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.

On February 25, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered a long life puja for Khyongla Rato Rinpoche at Tushita. This was an incredibly special day in which we welcomed many lamas, geshes, and Sangha. We pray that Khyongla Rato Rinpoche and all our precious gurus have long and stable lives, connecting many hearts and minds with the Dharma. May all their holy wishes be fulfilled instantly.

Still dazzled by so many blessings, we started another introductory course and an intermediate course two days later. Straight after their arrival, these lucky students (joined by the participants of our Pre-Ordination Course and many visitors) were extremely fortunate to receive two afternoons of precious teachings from Lama Zopa Rinpoche on emptiness and guru devotion.

Geshe Tenzin Namdak returned to again lead the Pre-Ordination Course in support of eight new western Sangha members, Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, February 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.

Rinpoche even made time to meet with and give a teaching to all Tushita staff and volunteers before leaving Tushita on the morning of February 28, showing us how to use every moment to benefit sentient beings. May we become just like you, Rinpoche.

Tushita Receives Consecrated Vases Blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

There are many natural disasters happening all over the world today due to environmental destruction. In order to protect life and stop these natural disasters from occurring, His Holiness the Dalai Lama advised that consecrated vases be distributed wherever needed. Representatives from His Holiness’s private office, Namgyal Monastery, Gyudmed Monastery, and Gyuto Monastery came together to consecrate these vases over seven days.

Puja at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, March 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.

Tushita was kindly offered three vases. To our great surprise and delight, on March 4 ,the abbot of Gyudmed Monastery, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Wangdu, and a few monks from Namgyal Monastery came to conduct a puja to place these vases here at Tushita on our main altar.

Blessed by His Holiness, these vases serve to protect those who come here from obstacles, sickness, natural disasters, and harm from other beings. It also serves as a blessing to receive timely rain and water. Wherever the vase is placed there will be prosperity and flourishing without any obstacles.

Khylonga Rato Rinpoche Teaches on Bodhichitta

Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, despite his busy schedule and advanced age, very kindly returned to Tushita on April 7 before leaving for his home in the US. Rinpoche gave teachings titled “Bodhichitta: The Mind of Enlightenment” with his long-time student Simon Houlton interpreting.

Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, students, and Nyingje Chenmo at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, April 2019. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.

This special event was attended by our 130 residential students from our introductory course and intermediate course on “Developing a Fearless Heart” as well as outside guests. All present were hugely inspired by Rinpoche’s bodhisattva-like qualities of a brave heart, deep humility, and quick humor. How fortunate we are to have these real life examples of amazing practitioners around to show us where the Dharma path is leading and that it’s really possible.

Towards the end of the event our Tushita canine matron Nyinje Chenmo snuck into the gompa to listen to the teachings. She circumambulated His Holiness’s throne as well as Rinpoche and enjoyed the attention of the amused audience before laying down right in front of Rinpoche. Rinpoche looked at her and, to our great surprise and delight, spoke of Nyinje Chenmo having a calm mind and being so fortunate to live at Tushita and see so many holy objects.

Pema Wangmo and Archhana Kombrabail at Nalanda, Bihar, India. Photo courtesy of Tushita Meditation Centre.

Tushita Welcomes Our First Female Tibetan Director

Early in the season we said farewell to acting director Archhana Kombrabail, who has served Tushita for the last two-and-a-half years in this role. We are grateful for all the energy, positive intentions, and beneficial actions she took on behalf of Tushita and all the students. Thank you so much, Archhana!

We are happy to welcome Pema Wangmo into the director role. Pema first joined Tushita in February 2017 as our friendly and ever-so-patient receptionist. With her particular skills and temperament Pema naturally transitioned to the role of center manager in mid-2018 before being appointed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche as director. We are so grateful for Pema’s dedication, hard work, and the kind heart she brings to the position.

Yeshe at Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, India, October 2017. Photo by Tushita Meditation Centre staff.

Our Beloved Dog Yeshe

It is with a heavy heart that we relay the passing of our beloved dog Yeshe on May 22. Our canine friends fulfill a very important job description at Tushita. Yeshe was our ever-so-patient therapist with excellent listening skills for our students as they undertook their difficult inner work and also a loyal companion and best friend, delighting and supporting our staff and volunteers by keeping their blood pressure steady and taking them for regular walks. 

Yeshe’s life is a lesson of love: she showed us all how we are interconnected and that we need each other for our survival and happiness, that throughout our lives we must support and benefit each other daily, and that we can practice generosity by accepting the help of others.

We miss you, dearest friend and loyal companion. But we are confident that thanks to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s and so many people’s prayers you smoothly made the transition from Tushita to the real Pure Land.

This story was extracted from “Tushita’s News July 2019”, available on Tushita’s website:
http://tushita.info/news/news-july-2019/

For information about Tushita Meditation Centre, visit their website:
http://tushita.info

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Ven. Thubten Gyalmo and liberated animals, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

In August 2019, Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling, the FPMT center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, successfully liberated four male goats and ten male sheep. They now have a new home in Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, approximately 400 kilometers (248 miles) from the capital Ulaanbaatar, and are in a peaceful environment with beautiful green surroundings. They are now no longer in danger of being eaten. Center director Ianzhina Bartanova shares the story.

Clearly, the tradition to liberate animals from life-threatening conditions was well-known and practiced in Mongolia in the past. However, nowadays it is so rare, and many people do not have an awareness of this. But Ven. Thubten Gyalmo, the FPMT resident teacher at Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling, is sharing information about animal liberation via radio in Mongolia and during her weekly classes at the center in Ulaanbaatar.

The reality in Mongolia is that there is a high consumption of meat. It is one of the main reasons that seven years ago Lama Zopa Rinpoche recommended that the Mongolian center host a 100 million mani retreat on an annual basis. (A 100 million mani retreat is where retreatants recite the Chenrezig mantra OM MANI PADME HUM a 100 million times.) In addition to the mani retreats, Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling has initiated an animal liberation, the very first one for the past twenty years. The animals were rescued from the butcher market during Mongolia’s national festival of Naadam, a time of great celebration when mutton dishes are widely served.

The liberation combined two traditions: the Mongolian one and lineage of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. According to Mongolian tradition, only male sheep and goats should be liberated, and a special animal liberation sutra must be recited for removing obstacles, obtaining longevity, and attainment of nirvana. Also this tradition requires one to sprinkle blessed water over the animals, to put mani pills inside their mouths, anoint their heads and hooves with some oil, and shower flower petals over them while reciting auspicious mantras. Moreover, our liberated animals have their own ID cards and names. Male sheep are called Yamuchil One, Yamuchil Two, etc., up to number ten, and male goats are called Tsevel One, Two, Three, and Four respectively. These names are mentioned in the sutra.

Liberated animals ID cards, Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

Traditionally, liberated Mongolian sheep were not shorn so people could easily recognize them from their long fleece. Upon the advice of the local herder and drawing from today’s practice of animal husbandry, the health of the sheep will be compromised if not shorn, especially during the summer heat. Therefore, we will shear them at a suitable time. We had quite a chuckle imagining sheep with very long “wool,” their limbs and horns “massaged” with oil, and having passed through some detox diet of mani pills, and emerging from a flower-spa procedure. So we called them “hippie animals,” our Mongolian flower children.

Following Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice, various preliminary prayers, mantra recitations, and other practices were done and concluded with special FPMT dedication prayers. We had a beautiful altar with a Buddha statue, sutras, stupas, and tsa-tsas arranged in the middle of their new home so animals could do korwa around the altar. It was challenging—however quite fun—to lead them in their first circumambulation.

First korwa with the liberated animals, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

Third korwa with the liberated animals, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

During the auspicious 25th lunar day, Idgaa Choinzinling monks and Dolma Ling nuns led a naga puja near the local water source and a Lama Chopa puja in the local herder Jigmed’s ger. Early in the morning while doing the naga puja, we were blessed with a clear blue sky and the appearance of the sun and moon at the same time; a thangka painting became a reality.

Monks and nuns leading a Naga puja, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

The Lama Chopa puja was done in a traditional tent (ger or yurt) with around twenty participants. It was amazing how such a small ger could fit so many people.

Herder Jigmed offering tsog, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

Animal liberation team with some local residents: Ani Choinzom, Ani Cunchen, local student, Ani Gyalmo, local driver, animal liberation coordinator Munkhtuvshin, spiritual program coordinator Khulan, local driver, center director Ianzhina, monk Zoksonbaatar, herder Jigmed and his friend posing on top of an extinct volcano’s crater, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo courtesy of Ianzhina Bartanova.

Special thanks to our local herder Jigmed, who has kindly offered to take care of the animals. Jigmed has been participating in 100 million mani retreats in Ulaanbaatar since 2013, and he was very inspired by Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings on kindness to animals. Jigmed specially built the fence around his ger and will provide all necessary supplies and care to several Tsevels and Yamuchils. We are also very grateful to local and foreign sponsors, and we encourage everyone to participate in our virtuous activities of saving animals’ lives next year. Let’s make a Dharma herd!

Animal liberation practice, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

Monks reciting prayers through a loud speaker, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

Jigmed and our dear animals, Bulgan province, Northern Mongolia, August 2019. Photo by Ianzhina Bartanova.

Animal blessing practice can be done by students on their own, in other words, a teacher or ordained Sangha member is not needed to lead the practice. For more on practices to benefit animals, see:
https://fpmt.org/education/prayers-and-practice-materials/benefiting-animals-practices-and-advice/

For more information about Ganden Do Ngag Shedrup Ling, visit their website:
http://www.fpmtmongolia.org/shedrub-ling-center

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche with Geshe Lobsang Jamphel, Geshe Jamphel Gyaltsen, Geshe Lobsang Yonten, Geshe Tenzin Loden, and Ven. Tenzin Khentse at Nalanda Monastery, Labastide-Saint-Georges, France, May 2019. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunkhen (Nico Balthazar).

His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche arrived at the Toulouse airport in France on April 30, 2019. Rinpoche was welcomed by representatives from Nalanda Monastery and Institut Vajra Yogini, FPMT centers near Toulouse. Rinpoche remained in France through the end of May 2019, teaching at several Dharma centers including Nalanda Monastery, Monastère Dorjé Pamo, an FPMT nunnery near Toulouse, Institut Vajra Yogini, and Kalachakra Centre, an FPMT center in Paris. From May 3-5, 2019, Rinpoche gave three days of teachings on “Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun,” and bestowed the White Tara Long Life initiation at Institut Vajra Yogini. Ven. Losang Gyaltsen, Nalanda Monastery director, Ven. Chantal Tenzin Dekyi (Chantal Carrerot), Monastère Dorjé Pamo coordinator, and Laura Haughey, a Kalachakra Centre student share the story about Rinpoche’s visit to France.

On May 2, 2019, Nalanda Monastery had the great privilege to receive His Eminence Ling Rinpoche. Rinpoche kindly gave advice to the community on the importance of study and also taming one’s mind. Rinpoche’s great humor and kindness were very much appreciated by the community. We hope that H.E. Ling Rinpoche will come again next year as we are hoping to develop this connection.

Geshe Lobsang Jamphel, the present abbot of the Monastery praised H.E. Ling Rinpoche, saying Rinpoche is a great hope for the Tibetans. We also feel H.E Ling Rinpoche will be a great hope for the Dharma in the West. Deep gratitude to His Eminence for sharing with us Rinpoche’s precious time, wisdom, and compassion.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche with Geshe Lobsang Jamphel and Geshe Tenzin Loden at Nalanda Monastery, Rouzegas, Labastide-Saint-Georges, France, May 2019. Photo by Ven. Thubten Kunkhen (Nico Balthazar).

On the occasion of H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s visit to Institut Vajra Yogini in early May, Rinpoche honored us with a visit to Monastère Dorjé Pamo. Rinpoche was accompanied by Geshe Tenzin Loden, FPMT resident geshe at Institut Vajra Yogini, and Geshe Lobsang Jamphel, abbot of Nalanda Monastery, as well as Rinpoche’s attendants Geshe Lobsang Yonten and Ven. Tenzin Khentse.

A few nuns and volunteers had gathered, and we all had tea and refreshments on the terrace in a very relaxed atmosphere. Rinpoche blessed our gompa as well as a Tara thangka just offered to us by one of our benefactors. Rinpoche also provided advice and encouragement, highlighting the importance of harmony in developing our new community.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche with Ven. Tendreun, Marie Vaysse, Annick Lainé, Ven Chantal Tenzin Dekyi, Geshe Tenzin Loden, Geshe Losang Jamphel, Cristiana Cervantes, Ven. Irene, Ven. Michèle Paldreun, Ven. Tenzin Péma, Yves Alirol, and Annick Leclerc du Sablon at Monastère Dorje Pamo, En Baut, Fiac, France, May 2019. Photo courtesy of Monastère Dorje Pamo.

On May 25, 2019, a warm, sunny morning, Kalachakra Centre in Paris was very fortunate and greatly honored to host a visit and teaching with H.E. Ling Rinpoche. It was a short but wonderful visit. This is the third time Rinpoche has visited Kalachakra Centre, the first being in 2005 and the second in 2014. Last year, Rinpoche’s visit to Paris was a very large gathering, with over 700 people in attendance, including many displaced Tibetans now living in France.

Rinpoche prefaced the teaching on the three poisonous minds of anger, attachment, and ignorance by mentioning how truly happy Rinpoche was to again be visiting the center, whose official name is the Wheel of Life Kalachakra Cultural Association, and that it was with the idea of seeing old friends in the Dharma, including those who had met Rinpoche’s previous incarnation, that Rinpoche was making this visit.

Kalachakra Centre’s director, Ven. Elisabeth Drukier, recalls that when she first met the Buddhadharma and was visiting Bodhgaya, she befriended Yvonne Laurence, a French nun and fellow Parisian. Yvonne had been a nurse when the 6th Kyabje Yongdzin Ling Rinpoche came to France for medical treatment and had ended up following Rinpoche to India and becoming ordained. Ven. Elisabeth and Yvonne’s shared love of Camembert cheese and Paris bonded them in India, and Ven. Elisabeth spent time with her friend at Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, often seeing the 6th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche there at Rinpoche’s house. In 1978, Ven. Elisabeth saw the 6th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche for the last time in France.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Kalachakra Centre, Paris, France, May 2019. Photo by Olivier Adam.

Rinpoche very clearly elucidated the nature of the three poisons of attachment, anger, and ignorance, and the detrimental influence they have on our well-being and happiness. Rinpoche began by summarizing the essence of the teachings of the Buddha as being the act of disciplining, transforming, and most importantly acquiring mastery, or pacification, of our minds.

Rinpoche concluded by encouraging us to think positively, saying that we all have the possibility to become Buddhas. The Buddha Shakyamuni started out just like us, completely under the influence of mental afflictions and the three poisonous attitudes of attachment, anger, and ignorance. Through training his mind, he achieved the ultimate transformation and developed all virtuous qualities, eliminated all faults, and realized the state of a Buddha, perfectly awakened. Rinpoche said that we also have the potential and possibility to follow exactly the same path.

Ven. Tenzin Khentse, H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Ven. Tenzin Pemba, Ven. Jampa president of the Tibetan community in Paris, and Kalachakra Centre director Ven. Elisabeth Drukier outside of Kalachakra Centre, Paris, France, May 2019. Photo by Olivier Adam.

Rinpoche also said that we have the benefit of all the necessary, good conditions in being human beings: we have met with the teachings of the Buddha, we can meet with authentic spiritual guides, and we have not been born in a country where we suffer from hunger, thirst, or homelessness. We also don’t have any physical handicaps which would prevent us from practicing. Rinpoche continued by saying that apart from the fact that we are not applying ourselves, we enjoy a situation that is extremely favorable. There is much to rejoice about. Rinpoche added that we need to tell ourselves that certainly the influence of the three poisons exist in our mind, but instead of reacting to this negatively, we should say to ourselves, “These mental afflictions are my enemies, my true enemies, and from now on, I will fight against them.”

Kalachakra Centre hopes to have the great fortune of hosting visits by H.E. Ling Rinpoche every year, for many years to come!

For more information about H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s schedule visit Rinpoche’s website:
http://lingrinpoche.info/

Learn more about FPMT’s activities in France:
https://fpmt.org/centers/france/

Watch Rinpoche’s teaching at Kalachakra Centre, given in Tibetan with French translation:
https://youtu.be/CH4M9WkHZOU

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

David Machles. Photo courtesy of Dimensions-OHC Inc.

In 2008, David Machles completed the 16 Guidelines for Life Level 1 course, an initiative of the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW), and later completed Levels 2 and 3. David is part of FDCW’s Universal Education community. Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom is one of FPMT’s five pillars of service. David’s exploration of the 16 Guidelines for Life methods and tools inspired him to develop a program based on the 16 Guidelines for Life for prisons in 2010. David worked with adult and juvenile prisoners as well as staff and volunteers. Victoria Coleman, FDCW executive director, asked David about about his experience with Universal Education in prisons over the past nine years. Victoria shares David’s story.

David Machles, from North Carolina, US, began his journey into the 16 Guidelines for Life in 2008. He felt inspired to offer the 16 Guidelines for Life program in prisons working with adult and juvenile prisoners as well as staff and volunteers. He developed a 16 Guidelines for Life for prisoners curriculum called “Building Inner Strength.”

David explained, “We chose the course title ‘Building Inner Strength’ with the help of the chaplain at the youth prison center. We felt that this was more of a macho name, yet still reflects the spirit of the 16 Guidelines for Life. Sometimes the class is referred to as ‘Meditation Class.’ Other names may be appropriate in different settings, including ‘Anger Management,’ ‘Guide to Happiness,’ ‘Well-Being,’ etc.”

One of the teenage participants of David’s program had a very difficult relationship with a prison guard. David suggested using the 16 Guidelines for Life pre-framing tool to see how it could influence the next encounter with the guard. David kept it light: “Just try this to see if it makes a difference; it can’t make it any worse.” The teenager was surprised at how his relationship with the guard gradually changed. He saw that the 16 Guidelines for Life actually worked.

David said, “We have taken a very secular approach to using the 16 Guidelines for Life. We have been accepted by the managers, administrative staff, and parents because we take this secular approach. Throughout the program we keep this neutrality and encourage the students to find examples of the 16 Guidelines for Life within their own spiritual upbringing. Certainly the role models used in the 16 Guidelines for Life book represent a variety of spiritual backgrounds.”

To learn more about the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom and the 16 Guidelines for Life visit the FDCW website:
https://www.compassionandwisdom.org 

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Tara Liberation Study Group members Matt Linden, Kari Suomalainen, Hanne Iyars, Maria Suominen, and Joona Repo at VEF Kvartāla Kamerzāle, Riga, Latvia, June 2019. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Tara Liberation Study Group, the FPMT study group in Helsinki, Finland, benefits the community by offering Dharma teachings in the country’s most widely-spoken language, taught by native Finnish speaker and FPMT registered teacher Joona Repo. Matt Linden and Maria Suominen‎ from Tara Liberation Study Group share the story.

Nowadays Dharma teachings are widely available across the globe in a variety of major languages. Smaller countries like Finland, however, often have to make do with teachings in English. But learning the Dharma is a matter of the heart, not only the mind, and we all know the power of hearing and studying the Dharma in one’s own mother tongue. Since 2017, the precious possibility of receiving teachings in Finnish has been available thanks to the hard work of Tara Liberation Study Group staff and FPMT registered teacher Joona Repo.

Some of you might have heard of Joona from his role as translation coordinator for FPMT Education Services. Joona encountered the Dharma during his mid-teens and since then has accumulated an enormous amount of wisdom, which he doesn’t hesitate to share with anyone who wishes to learn the precious Dharma.

Joona Repo standing on the frozen sea in Helsinki, Finland, February 2018. Photo by Matt Linden.

A native speaker of both Finnish and English, and with a strong grasp of classical and colloquial Tibetan, Joona relays the Buddhist teachings in a detailed and inspiring way. Holding a PhD in Buddhist art history and with several years’ experience of living in Tibet and Nepal, Joona possesses extensive knowledge of Tibetan customs, culture, and history. This helps to bring the teachings alive and opens up the sometimes cryptic Tibetan Buddhist rituals to a wider contextual understanding, bringing meaning and depth to practice.

During the regular Monday sessions at the Tara Liberation Study Group, Joona has been focusing on the lamrim teachings, which he says are the backbone of all Tibetan Buddhist practices. He has thus far taught up to the great scope and the methods to generate bodhichitta. From this autumn, Joona will continue teaching on the lamrim and will be giving an explanation of the six perfections, mainly focusing on the development of the fifth perfection, concentration. Many students have been attending Joona’s teachings for a long time, and the increasing numbers of students shows the benefits of providing the Dharma teachings in the Finnish language.

Other topics that Joona has covered include an inspiring introduction to the “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras,” as well as in-depth instructions on the Thirty-five Buddhas purification practice. Tara Liberation Study Group has also benefited from Joona’s ability to lead a wide range of pujas and practices in the traditional Gelug fashion.

The group feels incredibly privileged to have a regular teacher with such a vast capacity, and we were very touched when Lama Zopa Rinpoche publicly thanked Joona for his contribution to spreading the Dharma in Finland, during the teachings in Riga, Latvia, in June 2019.

We are enthusiastic about the current semester and eagerly look forward to Monday evenings when we get our Dharma dose in the Finnish language. May this be of benefit to all beings.

For more information about Tara Liberation Study Group, visit their website:
https://taraliberation.fi

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Geshe Tenzin Namdak with Chrissy, Ven. Barbara, Catia, Radek, Sue, Rhona, and Alison at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, May 2019. Photo by Robin Bath.

Geshe Tenzin Namdak, the new FPMT resident geshe at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, the FPMT center in London, UK, led the center’s annual summer retreat from July 7-14, 2019, on “The Buddhist Path to Happiness.” In August Jamyang London welcomed new center director Ven. Fabienne Pradelle. Rhonwen Sayer, a member of the center’s spiritual program sub-committee, shares the story.

In March 2018, His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed Geshe Tashi Tsering, Jamyang Buddhist Centre’s former resident geshe, abbot of Sera Mey Monastery in South India. Everyone was delighted for Geshe-la but also concerned for the future. We were very fortunate that in September 2018 Lama Zopa Rinpoche asked Geshe Tenzin Namdak to take up the role of resident geshe at Jamyang Buddhist Centre and give teachings here for six months each year.

Geshe Namdak  completed the entire twenty-year geshe program at Sera Jey Monastic University in 2017, and the traditional one-year vajrayana study program at Gyudmed Tantric Monastic University in January 2019, the first Westerner to do so. Geshe Namdak accepted Rinpoche’s request and arrived in May, starting teachings on meditation, Buddhist philosophy and psychology, and the art of emotional intelligence. These teachings ran until July. 

Watch Ven. Fabienne Pradelle and Geshe Tenzin Namdak introduce themselves to the community in this video:
https://youtu.be/cQRgI798Ovk

Geshe Tenzin Namdak with Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Sera Je Monastic University, Bylakuppe, India, November 2017. Photo by Ven. Lobsang Sherab.

Geshe Namdak rounded off his teaching program by leading an eight-day retreat on “The Buddhist Path to Happiness.” Each day consisted of teachings on the lamrim based on Je Tsongkhapa’s “A Hymn of Experience” followed by question and answer session, group discussion, and meditation.

“A Hymn of Experience” is a wonderful overview of the whole lamrim. Geshe-la expanded and explained each verse, providing his deep insight to Je Tsongkhapa’s experience of the path to enlightenment.

The entire retreat had a great atmosphere generated by Geshe-la’s enthusiasm and the interactions among the students.

Everyone at Jamyang is delighted that our center has a resident teacher again, and we are looking forward to Geshe Namdak’s autumn teachings. Geshe-la’s enthusiasm and engagement are especially appreciated by our community.

For more information about Jamyang Buddhist Centre London, visit their website:
https://www.jamyang.co.uk/

To read His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s commentary on “A Hymn of Experience” (also known as “Lines of Experience”) visit the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive:
https://www.lamayeshe.com/article/chapter/illuminating-path-enlightenment

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Katrina Smith, Janis Dougherty, and Gary Mickey making offerings to the Twenty-one Taras at Kadampa Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, US, August 2019. Photo courtesy of Kadampa Center.

The Light of the Path, an annual retreat with Lama Zopa Rinpoche that began in 2009, is organized by Kadampa Center, the FPMT center in Raleigh, North Carolina, US. Donna Seese, spiritual program coordinator, shares the story about prayers and practices being done to create the causes for the next Light of the Path retreat with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, scheduled for August 23-September 20, 2020.

At Kadampa Center, we always look forward to the Light of the Path retreats when we have the opportunity to spend so much time with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and students from all over the world. Before each retreat Rinpoche kindly advises us about prayers and practices to do to remove obstacles and create the causes for the retreat. His advice for the next Light of the Path retreat includes reciting 100,000 “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras” and to organize our own members and others to do these recitations in support of the retreat.

Wow! This was a bit daunting, but we dived right in. We added reciting “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras” to our dedication prayers at Kadampa Center events and special Saturday practice days each month when we focus on reciting “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras.”

We quickly realized that, just like the Light of the Path retreat itself, creating the causes for the retreat is much bigger than Kadampa Center. So in the spring we sent word to our North American FPMT brothers and sisters, and to Rinpoche’s students all around the world who had attended earlier Light of the Path retreats, inviting them to participate in this amazing spiritual endeavor. Within days of sending our emails, the numbers on our website counter jumped by hundreds and then thousands. We also received emails of support from many of our Light of the Path friends!

In early August, with help from our friends around the world, we reached 25,000 recitations of “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras”!

Mini-Tara Retreat with Geshe Gelek Choda at Kadampa Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, US, August 2019. Photo courtesy of Kadampa Center.

One of the blessings of Rinpoche’s advice is that it has introduced Tara practice to newer students who might be unfamiliar with Tara. In April 2019 and again in August, we held a Tara mini-retreat. For those who want to deepen their Tara practice at home, Geshe Gelek Chodha, one of our FPMT resident geshes, taught us how to do retreat on our own. Many students who were new to Tara came and took part, not just with the prayers and recitations, but also pitching in to set up the altar and the offerings, and staying after the dedications to take it all down.

We will hold another two-day Tara mini-retreat October 19-20, 2019. Anyone who wants to join in from home can tune into the livestream.

We’re looking forward to seeing old friends and those new to our FPMT family at the 2020 Light of the Path retreat! Wow! Wow! Wow!

Visit the Kadampa Center’s webpage to contribute your recitations and check the running total of recitations:
 https://kadampa-center.org/count-your-praises-21-Taras

For more information about Kadampa Center, visit their website:
https://kadampa-center.org/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Geshe Tashi Tsering teaching at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, May 2018. Photo by Orsola Luca.

On June 7, 2019, it was announced in the London Gazette, official journal of record of the British government, that the Queen of England awarded a British Empire Medal to Geshe Tashi Tsering, former resident geshe at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, the FPMT center in London, UK, “for services to Buddhism in the UK.” Ven. Barbara Shannon, FPMT UK National Coordinator shares the story.

Geshe Tashi Tsering when enthroned as abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, Bylakuppe, India, June 2018. Photo by Andreas Fring.

Geshe Tashi Tsering has been recognized on the Queen’s Birthday 2019 Honors List. Geshe Tashi Tsering was given a British Empire Medal “for services to Buddhism in the UK.” Geshe Tashi Tsering was the resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London from 1994 to 2018. In 2018, he was asked by the His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be the abbot of Sera Mey Monastery, where in 1987 he received his Geshe Laramapa degree.

Geshe Tashi Tsering was one of the first Tibetan lamas to spread Buddhism in Europe, teaching first in France and then London. In 2017, he received an M.A. in Social Anthropology at London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies. He is the author of the six-volume series The Foundation of Buddhist Thought.

The British Empire Medal was created in 1922 and is awarded twice a year, once as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honors and once at the New Year. It recognizes “hands-on service to the local community.”

To read the official announcement visit the London Gazette website:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/3295670

To read Geshe Tashi Tsering’s response to receiving the British Empire Medal visit:
https://www.soas.ac.uk/blogs/study/soas-alum-receives-british-empire-medal/

FPMT.org brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

Nyung nä participants at Nying Je Kunkyab Study Group, Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, June 2019. Photo by Josue Fuentes.

In June 2019, Nying Je Kunkyab Study Group, the FPMT study group in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, organized a nyung nä retreat that took place over two weekends: June 11-14 and June 14-17, 2019. Valeria Arroyo, study group coordinator, shares the story.

In celebration of Saka Dawa, thirty-one students from Nying Je Kunkyab Study Group completed two sets of nyung nä. We had the invaluable support and guidance of FPMT registered teacher and Mexican nun Ven. Thubten Norbu (Lourdes Castro).

Ven. Thubten Norbu making tormas at Nying Je Kunkyab Study Group, Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico, June 2019. Photo by Alejandra Arroyo.

Our teacher Kyabje Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche has advised us to do this practice to promote peace and harmony in our country. This is the second time we organized a nyung nä retreat.

Our study group operates in one of the most dangerous cities in the country. We receive great joy from offering activities that allow participants to cultivate the seeds of compassion.

Benefactors, volunteers, and participants expressed their joy and gratitude for being part of this event. We invite all national and foreign practitioners to set aside the Saka Dawa dates—June 2020—so you can join us next year!

We received the following comments from participants: “I experienced this nyung nä as if I was with my family, with much love and tranquility;” “For me it was an incredible experience, and I hope to see you again;” and “Happy to have been able to share this invaluable experience.”

For more information about Nying Je Kunkyab Study Group, visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Grupo-Budista-Nying-Je-Kunkyab-Afiliado-a-la-FPMT-628759533948347/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, April 2019. Photo by Andreas Fring.

In April 2019 His Eminence the 7th Kyabje Ling Rinpoche made a first visit to the UK. The visit included nearly a week in London followed by two days in Leeds, where Rinpoche participated in the opening of FPMT center Jamyang Buddhist Center Leeds’ new location. Jamyang Buddhist Centre London and Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds share the story.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche and Rinpoche’s attendants Ven. Tenzin Khentse and Geshe Lobsang Yonten arrived in London on Saturday evening, April 20, 2019, after an eventful day of travel delays coming from Valencia, Spain. They were met by members of the Office of Tibet; the nonprofit Tibetan Community UK; and representatives of FPMT UK and Jamyang London. Representing FPMT UK was Jay Simpson, the FPMT UK National Coordinator, and representing Jamyang London were Jamyang board member Jan Andresen and the organizer of the London part of the tour, Jackie Yip.

Rinpoche’s visit to London was jointly organized by the Office of Tibet; Tibetan Community UK; Tibet House Trust; and Jamyang London. For us this was the first “big” visit we had organized on a shared basis, so it was a massive learning curve.

On Sunday H.E. Ling Rinpoche spent all day with our friends in the local Tibetan community and the Office of Tibet, who put on a delightful day of activities, including a visit to the Tibetan Peace Garden to bless and re-energize the place.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche teaching at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, April 2019. Photo by Andreas Fring.

Monday morning, April 22, saw our main event when Rinpoche offered a White Tara long life initiation to around seven hundred people in the Kensington Conference Centre in the center of London. The Jamyang volunteers and our Tibetan friends worked so hard to set up the place, but the crowning glory was the loving presence of Rinpoche holding the space as Rinpoche offered us the opportunity to break free and discover our Buddha potential. In the afternoon Rinpoche gave a general talk to around three hundred people in the same space but in a far more informal setting.

Geshe Kelsang Wangmo kindly translated Rinpoche’s talks into English throughout the whole UK tour. With her animated and engaging delivery, we were both delighted by her clean, clear, and warm presentation of Rinpoche’s words and slightly sad that her role as German translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama makes opportunities for her to teach in Europe so rare, while also rejoicing in the good fortune of the German students in having such a fine translator practitioner.

On Tuesday evening, April 23, Rinpoche gave a warm and personal talk to a small group of students at one of London’s major Nyingma centers, Rigpa. On Wednesday Rinpoche visited Jamyang Center and taught the great Sakya master Sachen Kunga Nyingpo’s short text Parting from the Four Attachments to about 140 students. The text is only four lines long, but the way Rinpoche taught it seemed to cover every aspect of the path to enlightenment. At the end there was a precious opportunity to offer khatas in person to Rinpoche.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche with Jane Moore; Ven. Frank Dahmen; Geshe Kelsang Wangmo and her mother; Robin Bath, Jamyang trustee and doyen of Jamyang; Alison Murdoch, chair of the Jamyang Trustee Board; Jan Andresen; Francesca Sanchez, deputy chair of the Jamyang Trustee Board; Jackie Yip; Mike Murray; Ven. Robina Courtin; and Mike Gilmore at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, London, UK, April 2019. Photo by Andreas Fring.

Rinpoche then toured Jamyang Centre and was fascinated to know which images and more were still there from the time of Geshe Namgyal Wangchen, our first resident teacher, who was appointed by Lama Thubten Yeshe. When Geshe Wangchen went back to Drepung Loseling, he became a tutor to some of the most significant incarnate lamas of the monastery, including becoming senior tutor to H.E. Ling Rinpoche himself. Rinpoche said that Rinpoche felt a particular warm connection to the London center because of this link.

On Friday, April 26, we waved Rinpoche off on the train to Leeds for the opening of our sister center there, Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds.

H.E. Ling Rinpoche arriving at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Leeds, UK, April 2019. Photo by Jay Simpson.

Auspicious beginnings at the new home of Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, as our first event was welcoming H.E. Ling Rinpoche to the new building for a weekend of teachings, blessings, and initiation.

The opening day began with Rinpoche meeting the Tibetan/Himalayan community from across the North of England at a special event in the morning. Rinpoche offered advice about practice and preserving culture, and enjoyed some cake and food specially prepared for the event by the Tibetans.

Members of the local Tibetan community offering H.E. Ling Rinpoche a traditional greeting ceremony with flour and rice at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Leeds, UK, April 2019. Photo by Jay Simpson.

We then held some opening speeches from center director Kerry Prest, patron David Lascelles, and others, plus a specially recorded video message from long-time UK teacher and supporter of Jamyang Leeds Geshe Tashi Tsering.

Rinpoche then blessed the center and its gompa, before commencing a public talk on “Developing a Peaceful Mind in a Turbulent World.” In the late afternoon Rinpoche began teaching from master Shantideva’s text Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, Chapter 1.

The following day Rinpoche continued the text, and during lunch we took Rinpoche on a tour of the rest of the building, most of which still needs to be renovated. (We’re only using about fifteen percent of the space at present!) Rinpoche’s exact words were “Wow.”

H.E. Ling Rinpoche reading Shantideva’s text Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Leeds, UK, April 2019. Photo by Jay Simpson.

Rinpoche then finished the visit to our center visit with a Chenrezig initiation, which was a wonderfully auspicious way to start the new activities in our new home, thinking about compassion for others, with as many arms as possible!

We give huge thanks to all who made this event a success: volunteers, staff, donors, members, trustees, local residents, contractors, and teachers; the list of people to thank is massive. We were especially blessed to welcome Geshe Kelsang Wangmo as the translator of the event in her visit to Leeds; we hope she’ll visit us again. A wonderful beginning of a new chapter for Jamyang Leeds.

For more information about H.E. Ling Rinpoche’s schedule, visit Rinpoche’s website:
http://lingrinpoche.info/

For more information about Jamyang Buddhist Centre London, visit their website:
https://www.jamyang.co.uk/

Watch the opening speeches given at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/e-VN-eDaQMo

For more information about Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, visit their website:
https://jamyangleeds.co.uk/

FPMT.org and Mandala Publications brings you news of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and of activities, teachings, and events from over 160 FPMT centers, projects, and services around the globe. If you like what you read, consider becoming a Friend of FPMT, which supports our work.